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After the overwhelming response to our recently published article regarding algae scrubbers, we decided to do a followup. In a recent interview, Reef Tools posed Bryan, “Santa Monica” from algaescrubber.net with the following questions.

1. First off, how long have you been using algae scrubbers?

August of 2011 will be 3 years. No waterchanges in that time, even when I overdosed iron.

2. Obviously algae scrubbers have been around for a while, what makes your new way of scrubbing any different from the previous methods of scrubbing?

The “new” way is the waterfall. It’s mostly a simple way to grow algae, which does the filtering.

3. What were the problems that surged from the old style scrubbers, and how have you modified scrubbing to get the kinks out?

The complexity of the old style was almost impossible to build. And, learning that you have to remove the screen for cleaning; this will keep the water from tinting (although it will still have lots of food particles in it.)

4. Now I know you are into no water changes while running a scrubber, why do you suggest that this is acceptable while running a scrubber?

Because it’s how a real reef operates. There are no waterchanges on a reef; algae does all the filtering, and feeding. The beach does nothing for filtration. So as long as you add Cal, Alk and Mag, and maybe Str. Everything else you need is in the food you feed.

5. What about trace elements, such as amino acids, iron, strontium, etc. etc., is scrubbing something that needs to be supplemented with dosing?

All the traces you need are in the food you feed, too, especially if you feed Nori (lots of iron). All the food, and traces, and anything else edible in the ocean comes from algae. Ask your nearest marine biologist, and he / she will confirm this.

6. So in your opinion, what are the keys to optimal scrubber filtering for a tank?

Having bright light (even distributed) on both sides of a rough screen, with fast flowing water across the screen. Weekly cleaning too.

7. Finally, what would you say to someone who is on the fence about whether or not to try running an algae scrubber on their tank?

Build a simple, cheap one (of the proper size), and see if it reduces your nutrients.

A lot of people asked us to showcase some popular designs. Here are a few that Bryan considers to be “Very Good Examples: These pics are the way you want to make yours. No changes needed. These will provide the most filtering possible.”

Wavecookies on the scrubber site built the best DIY non-acrylic scrubber Bryan has seen yet. Wide screens, big reflectors, and multiple bulbs are always better, and this has all three:

The EcoPico has been in the news lately, due to the release of the EcoPico Reef Aquarium which provides a more intense lighting option, for hobbyists who want to house more light-demanding corals. Well, due to the popularity of small rimless aquariums, Ecoxotic is now offering the EcoPico LED Arm Light for purchase. The black matte LED arm sells for $44.95 on the Ecoxotic website, and is supplied with 1 LED strip containing 2 x 12,000K white and 1 x 453nm Actinic Blue LED lights, and a 12 volt EcoPico LED power supply.

Similarly to the LED light offered with the EcoPico Reef, the standalone version can be upgraded to hold two additional light strips. The LED strips are available in 3 color temperatures, 12,000K white, 12000K white(2)/453nm Blue(1), and 453nm Blue. Ecoxotic sells these LED strips for $22.95, and also offers a 3-way splitter, and a 4-way splitter with switches for $12.95 each.

Remember that the LED arm will fit on any rimless aquarium with a glass thickness of up to 6mm with the use of the provided screw adapter.

Nano Box, is a custom LED aquarium lighting company, that focuses “on the small ideas and details that go unnoticed, but can’t be overlooked.” Nano Box chose to exclusively use Rebel ES LEDs rather than the popular CREE LED’s. Several models are currently available on the market.

A study conducted y the Australian Institute of Marine Science, concluded that sharks are worth far more alive then when sold for finning. Now, given, shark finning is just awful, and we are not suggesting that THIS be the reason to stop it. You don’t need any other reason, just don’t do it.

Anyways, sharks all over the world, are in serious declined, mostly in part to shark fin soup demand in Asia. It is estimated, that commercial fishermen kill up to 73,000,000 sharks a year…73,000,000!!! This is mostly done to supply the fin trade. Scientists estimate that upwards of 30% of all shark species are threatened, or near threatened with extinction.

A study initiated by the PEW environment group, demonstrated that profits from dive tourism, far outweigh the revenue generated from finning. This study, whose main focus is the Pacific Island of Palau, investigated the overall “worth” (terrible word, we know) of a live shark, vs one that is finned. Matt Rand, of the Pew Environment Group said “What we see in Palau, and other vacation destinations, is that sharks can be a significant economic driver. As a tourist attraction, reef sharks bring approximately $2,000,000 to the economy of Palau, over their lifetime.” Of the 80,000 tourists who visit Palau, over 50% are divers, many of which come specifically to dive with sharks. The calculations used in this study showed that as a result, a single reef shark, that frequents Palau’s reef, has an annual value to the tourist industry of $179,000, vs. only $108 when sold for consumption. So again, as disgusting and cruel a practice as finning it’s also economically idiotic!

Palau declared it’s reefs to be a shark sanctuary, several other nations and states, including the republic of the Maldives, Honduras, Guam, CNMI, Marshall Islands and Hawaii, have followed suit.

In conclusion, this study shows that in additional to it being a despicable practice, and one that could have dramatic ecological repercussions, we even have an economic reason to unite against it’s continuation.